U.S. patent number 6,650,633 [Application Number 09/112,155] was granted by the patent office on 2003-11-18 for monitor network with advanced intelligent network (ain) for electronic surveillance.
This patent grant is currently assigned to Verizon Services Corp.. Invention is credited to Raymond F. Albers, Charles H. Eppert, III, Robert D. Farris, Christine Huff, Daniel C. Michaelis, Barry Pershan, Michael G. Pilkerton.
United States Patent |
6,650,633 |
Albers , et al. |
November 18, 2003 |
Monitor network with advanced intelligent network (AIN) for
electronic surveillance
Abstract
In a public switched telephone network, interoffice call
attempts to or from a line under surveillance generate a variety of
query, response and release messages between the offices, as part
of the normal procedures for setting up and tearing down the calls
to and from the line. To insure that all calls under surveillance
generate signaling messages, terminating, dialing and release
triggers are set with respect to the target's line. As a result,
the end office serving that line sends queries to a database on the
signing network, receives response messages, and sends release
report messages. A site processor compiles data from the signaling
messages and forms a call detail record (CDR) for each call attempt
relating to the target under surveillance. A central file server
further processes the CDRs and supplies composite data regarding
the target's calls through a data network connection to one or more
law enforcement agencies.
Inventors: |
Albers; Raymond F. (Vienna,
VA), Eppert, III; Charles H. (Fairfax, VA), Pershan;
Barry (Olney, MD), Michaelis; Daniel C. (Ellicott City,
MD), Pilkerton; Michael G. (Fairfax, VA), Farris; Robert
D. (Sterling, VA), Huff; Christine (Vienna, VA) |
Assignee: |
Verizon Services Corp.
(Arlington, VA)
|
Family
ID: |
29418321 |
Appl.
No.: |
09/112,155 |
Filed: |
July 9, 1998 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
370/352; 370/353;
370/389; 379/221.01 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H04L
41/00 (20130101); H04L 43/00 (20130101); H04M
3/2281 (20130101); H04M 15/41 (20130101); H04M
15/47 (20130101); H04M 15/68 (20130101); H04M
15/70 (20130101); H04M 15/73 (20130101); H04Q
3/0029 (20130101); H04M 2215/0148 (20130101); H04M
2215/0164 (20130101); H04M 2215/0176 (20130101); H04M
2215/0196 (20130101); H04M 2215/70 (20130101); H04M
2215/7072 (20130101) |
Current International
Class: |
H04L
12/24 (20060101); H04Q 3/00 (20060101); H04M
3/22 (20060101); H04L 12/26 (20060101); H04L
012/66 () |
Field of
Search: |
;370/353,352,354,356,357,359,360,381,384,386,389,392,400,401,402
;379/12,15.1,15.02,15.04,17,20,22,23,220.01,221.01,201.02,201.05,207.07 |
References Cited
[Referenced By]
U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
5012511 |
April 1991 |
Hanle et al. |
5241588 |
August 1993 |
Babson, III et al. |
5247571 |
September 1993 |
Kay et al. |
5475732 |
December 1995 |
Pester, III |
5572583 |
November 1996 |
Wheeler, Jr. et al. |
5592530 |
January 1997 |
Brockman et al. |
5881132 |
March 1999 |
O'Brien et al. |
6081590 |
June 2000 |
Crowley et al. |
6122255 |
September 2000 |
Bartholomew et al. |
6169793 |
January 2001 |
Godwin et al. |
6195714 |
February 2001 |
Li et al. |
6226289 |
May 2001 |
Williams et al. |
|
Other References
Federal Communications Commission. "First Report and Order and
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking In the Matter of Telephone
Number Portability," p. 1-118, Appendices A-F (Jul. 2, 1996) &
Erratum released Jul. 17, 1996. .
Telecommunications Industry Association. "Lawfully Authorized
Electronic Surveillance (Baseline Revision 10)," TR45.2,
Subcommittee PN-3580 (Dec. 11, 1996). .
Bell Atlantic Corporation. "Bell Atlantic Makes History by
Providing Local Number Portability to Competitors in New York," p.
1-3 (May 28, 1998). .
Siemens Telecom Networks. "Acronym Guide: Siemens Telecom Networks:
Local Number Portability," p. 1 (Apr. 2, 1998). .
Siemens Telecom Networks. "Topic 7: Siemens Telecom Networks: Local
Number Portability: Managing the Regional Databases," p. 1 (Apr. 2,
1998). .
Siemens Telecom Networks. "Topic 11: Siemens Telecom Networks:
Local Number Portability: How Is a Telephone Number Ported?", p.
1-2 (Apr. 2, 1998). .
Siemens Telecom Networks. "Topic 1: Siemens Telecom Networks: Local
Number Portability: Introduction," p. 1-3 (Apr. 2, 1998). .
Siemens Telecom Networks. "Topic 4: Siemens Telecom Networks: Local
Number Portability: Number Administration and Call Routing in
Today's Network," p. 1 (Apr. 2, 1998). .
USTA. "Local Number Portability (LNP): Overview of LNP," p. 1 (Apr.
2, 1998). .
Siemens Telecom Networks. "Topic 5: Siemens Telecom Networks: Local
Number Portability: Tomorrow's Network--the Location Routing-Number
Architecture," p. 1-4 (Apr. 2, 1998). .
"Number Portability News and Links," p. 1-7 (May 28, 1998). .
Lucent Technologies. "Number Portability Technical Documents," p.
1-2 (May 28, 1998). .
Nortel. "Number Portability -LNP Background," p. 1-4 (May 28,
1998). .
Lucent Technologies. "Local Number Portability," p. 1-2 (May 28,
1998). .
Ovum. "Number Portability: Strategies for Market, Technical and
Regulatory Success," p. 1-3 (May 28, 1998). .
"Midwest Region: Primer for Local Number Portability," Issue 2, p.
1-31 (May 28, 1998). .
Nortel. "Local Number Portability: LNP Backgrounder," p. 1-4 (May
28, 1998)..
|
Primary Examiner: Vanderpuye; Kenneth
Assistant Examiner: Sam; Phirin
Attorney, Agent or Firm: Suchyta; Leonard C. Swingle; Loren
C. Forbis; Glenn R.
Parent Case Text
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
This application is related to patent applications Ser. Nos.
09/112,160, 09/112,154, and 09/112,473, filed , Jul. 9, 1998. Those
applications are incorporated by reference herein in their
entirety.
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A telecommunications system comprising: a switched telephone
network having a plurality of switching systems connected by
trunks, at least a first and a second of said switching systems
being connected by links to first and second customer premises; a
packet switched control network separate from said switched
telephone network and including a mated pair of packet switches
connected by links to said first and second switching systems and
to a central controller; a monitor network including interfaces to
at least certain of said links in said control network detecting
signals therein and transmitting signals to a monitor network
controller indicative of calls to or from said first customer
premises; a management system for said telephone network
controlling installation and changes in customer service; and
communication paths between said monitor network and said
management system transmitting to said second customer premises
signals including information relating to services supplied to said
first customer premises and use thereof.
2. A system according to claim 1 wherein said service supplied to
said first customer premises include service in addition to basic
telephone service.
3. A system according to claim 2 wherein said information relating
to service includes the time of activation of said service.
4. A system according to claim 3 wherein said information related
to service includes information related to use of said activated
service.
5. A system according to claim 2 wherein said service in addition
to basic telephone service comprises call forwarding.
6. A system according to claim 1 wherein said information relating
to services supplied to said first customer premises includes
information relating to a change in the customer profile record for
said first customer premises.
7. A system according to claim 1 wherein said packet switched
control network comprises a common channel signaling network.
8. A system according to claim 7 wherein said common channel
signaling network comprises an advanced intelligent network.
9. A system according to claim 8 wherein said detected signals
comprise common channel signaling including call set-up and
tear-down signals.
10. A system according to claim 8 wherein said first switching
system has point in call triggers set therein.
11. A system according to claim 10 wherein said triggers cause
common channel signaling on all calls to or from said first
customer premises terminal.
12. A system according to claim 11 wherein said calls include calls
completed within said first switching system.
13. A telecommunications system comprising: a switched telephone
network including first and second switching systems, said first
switching system connected to a first customer premises and said
second switching system connected to a second customer premises; a
first system for controlling said telephone network and having a
controller connected to said first and second switching systems via
a first control network including data links and at least one
packet switch, said first system for controlling being connected to
said first and second switching systems by said links; a second
system for controlling said telephone network and having a
multi-application platform connected to said telephone network by a
second control network separate from said first control network; a
third control system having interfaces to links in said first
system and capturing selected control signals flowing through said
links and providing input to a controller for said third control
system; said second and third control systems transmitting to said
second customer premises signals reporting use of said telephone
network by said first customer premises.
14. A system according to claim 13 wherein said second system for
controlling said telephone network includes applications for
installing and changing service to said first customer
premises.
15. A system according to claim 14 wherein said third control
system comprises a monitoring system generating signals reporting
use and attempted use of said telephone network by said first
customer premises.
16. A system according to claim 15 wherein said first system for
controlling said telephone network comprises a common channel
signaling system.
17. A system according to claim 13 wherein said second system for
controlling transmits to said second customer premises information
relating to a change in the customer profile record for said first
customer premises.
18. A system according to claim 13 wherein said first switching
system has point in call triggers set therein.
19. In a telecommunications system including a switched telephone
network including switching systems connected by trunks and serving
subscribers connected to said switching systems, said
telecommunications system including separate control systems
controlling the operation of said switched telephone network; a
method comprising: responding to a first of said subscribers
connected to a first of said switching systems going off-hook by
initiating call set-up procedures under the control of a first of
said separate control systems responsive to signaling through said
first control system; detecting said signaling through said first
control system under control of a second of said control systems
and, responsive thereto and to signals through said second control
system, transmitting to a second subscriber connected to one of
said switching systems data regarding said call set-up procedures;
maintaining in a third of said control systems a profile of the
subscribed services of said first subscriber, and transmitting to
said second subscriber data regarding service to said first
subscriber.
20. A method according to claim 19 wherein said data is delivered
to said second subscriber via a communication path other than
through said trunks or said first control system.
21. A method according to claim 20 wherein said detecting comprises
said second control system monitoring the signaling in said first
control system, and including the step of generating said data
transmitted to said second subscriber.
22. A method according to claim 20 wherein said data transmitted
from said third control system to said second subscriber includes
data reporting a change in said profile of said first
subscriber.
23. A method according to claim 20 wherein said data transmitted
from said third control system to said second subscriber includes
data relating to the time of installation of call forwarding
service to said first subscriber.
24. A method according to claim 19 including the step of said
second control system transmitting data regarding said call set-up
procedures to said third control system.
25. A method according to claim 24 including the step of said third
control system performing billing procedures responsive at least in
part to said data from said second control system.
26. A method according to claim 25 wherein said first control
system comprises a common channel signaling system.
27. A method according to claim 19 including the step of setting up
a communication path through said telephone network from said first
subscriber to a third subscriber connected to one of said switching
systems at least in part responsive to said initiation of call
set-up procedures.
28. A method according to claim 27 including the step of including
in said data transmitted to said second subscriber data relating to
the tear-down of said communication path.
29. In a telecommunications system comprising: a switched telephone
network including program controlled switching systems connected by
trunks and connected by links to subscriber terminals; a separate
control network having packet switching systems connected to said
program controlled switching systems and to a central control, said
central control having processor and storage devices controlling
through said control network routing of communication paths through
said switched telephone network; a first subscriber terminal
connected to a first of said program controlled switching systems
by a first of said links; a second subscriber terminal connected to
a second of said program controlled switching systems by a second
of said links; a method comprising: responsive to an attempt to
establish connections through said telephone network between said
first subscriber terminal and a third subscriber terminal connected
to one of said program controlled switching systems, signaling
through said control network; detecting said signaling through said
control network in a monitoring network; responsive at least in
part to said detection of said signals, generating in said
monitoring network data regarding connections established through
said telephone network between said first subscriber terminal and a
third subscriber terminal connected to one of said program
controlled switching systems; storing in a storage associated with
said monitoring network at least a part of said data generated
therein; and transmitting at least a part of said data from said
storage associated with said monitoring network to said second
subscriber terminal.
30. A method according to claim 29 including the step of
transmitting said data from said storage associated with said
monitoring network to said second subscriber terminal via a path
other than through said control network.
31. A method according to claim 29 wherein said data includes
identification of said third subscriber terminal.
32. A method according to claim 29 wherein said information
includes identification of said third subscriber terminal, the time
of the initiation of connection and the duration thereof.
33. A telecommunications system comprising: a switched telephone
network having a plurality of switching systems connected by
trunks, at least a first and a second of said switching systems
being connected by links to first and second customer premises; a
packet switched control network separate from said switched
telephone network and including a mated pair of packet switches
connected by links to said first and second switching systems and
to a central controller; a monitor network including interfaces to
at least certain of said links in said control network detecting
signals therein and transmitting signals to a monitor network
controller indicative of calls to or from said first customer
premises; a management system for said telephone network
controlling installation and changes in customer service;
communication paths between said monitor network and said
management system transmitting to said second customer premises
signals including information relating to services supplied to said
first customer premises and use thereof; and a third customer
premises to which said first customer premises is connected, and
including a bridge providing a one way connection of said second
customer premises to said connection between said first and third
customer premises.
34. A system according to claim 33 wherein said bridge occurs at
least partially in an adjunct processor connected to one of said
switching systems in said telephone network.
35. A telecommunications system comprising: a switched telephone
network including first and second switching systems, said first
switching system connected to a first customer premises and said
second switching system connected to a second customer premises; a
first system for controlling said telephone network and having a
controller connected to said first and second switching systems via
a first control network including data links and at least one
packet switch, said first system for controlling being connected to
said first and second switching systems by said links; a second
system for controlling said telephone network and having a
multi-application platform connected to said telephone network by a
second control network separate from said first control network;
and a third control system having interfaces to links in said first
system and capturing selected control signals flowing through said
links and providing input to a controller for said third control
system; wherein said second and third control systems transmitting
to said second customer premises signals reporting use of said
telephone network by said first customer premises; wherein said
second system for controlling said telephone network includes
applications for installing and changing service to said first
customer premises; wherein said third control system comprises a
monitoring system generating signals reporting use and attempted
use of said telephone network by said first customer premises;
wherein said first system for controlling said telephone network
comprises a common channel signaling system; and wherein said third
control system captures selected common channel signaling signals
in two common channel signaling links to said first switching
system and consolidates the captured signals to provide a call
detail record for calls to and from said first customer
premises.
36. A system according to claim 35 wherein said third control
system transmits signals to said second system for controlling and
said second system for controlling produces billing documentation
based at least in part on said signals transmitted from said third
to said second control systems.
37. A telecommunications system comprising: a switched telephone
network including first and second switching systems, said first
switching system connected to a first customer premises and said
second switching system connected to a second customer premises; a
first system for controlling said telephone network and having a
controller connected to said first and second switching systems via
a first control network including data links and at least one
packet switch, said first system for controlling being connected to
said first and second switching systems by said links; a second
system for controlling said telephone network and having a
multi-application platform connected to said telephone network by a
second control network separate from said first control network; a
third control system having interfaces to links in said first
system and capturing selected control signals flowing through said
links and providing input to a controller for said third control
system; a third customer premises to which said first customer
premises is connected via said telephone network, and including a
bridge providing a one way connection of said second customer
premises to said connection between said first and third customer
premises; and wherein said second and third control systems
transmitting to said second customer premises signals reporting use
of said telephone network by said first customer premises.
38. A telecommunications system comprising: a switched telephone
network including first and second switching systems, said first
switching system connected to a first customer premises and said
second switching system connected to a second customer premises; a
first system for controlling said telephone network and having a
controller connected to said first and second switching systems via
a first control network including data links and at lease one
packet switch, said first system for controlling being connected to
said first and second switching systems by said links; a second
system for controlling said telephone network and having a
multi-application platform connected to said telephone network by a
second control network separate from said first control network; a
third control system having interfaces to links in said first
system and capturing selected control signals flowing through said
links and providing input to a controller for said third control
system; and wherein said second and third control systems
transmitting to said second customer premises signals reporting use
of said telephone network by said first customer premises; wherein
said first switching system has point in call triggers set therein;
wherein said triggers cause common channel signaling on all calls
to or from said first customer premises.
39. A system according to claim 38 wherein said calls include calls
completed within said first switching system.
40. In a telecommunications system including a switched telephone
network including switching systems connected by trunks and serving
subscribers connected to said switching systems, said
telecommunications system including separate control systems
controlling the operation of said switched telephone network; a
method comprising: responding to a first of said subscribers
connected to a first of said switching systems going off-hook by
initiating call set-up procedures under the control of a first of
said separate control systems responsive to signaling through said
first control system; detecting said signaling through said first
control system under control of a second of said control systems
and, responsive thereof and to signals through said second control
system, transmitting to a second subscriber connected to one of
said switching systems data regarding said call set-up procedures;
maintaining in a third of said control systems a profile of the
subscribed services of said first subscriber, and transmitting to
said second subscriber data regarding service to said first
subscriber; and bridging said second subscriber onto said
communication path via a one way connection.
41. A method according to claim 40 wherein said bridging is
performed at least in part in an adjunct processor.
42. In a telecommunications system comprising: a switched telephone
network including program controlled switching systems connected by
trunks and connected by links to subscriber terminals; a separate
control network having packet switching systems connected to said
program controlled switching systems and to a central control, said
central control having processor and storage devices controlling
through said control network routing of communication paths through
said switched telephone network; a first subscriber terminal
connected to a first of said program controlled switching systems
by a first of said links; a second subscriber terminal connected to
a second of said program controlled switching systems by a second
of said links; a method comprising: responsive to an attempt to
establish connections through said telephone network between said
first subscriber terminal and a third subscriber terminal connected
to one of said program controlled switching system, signaling
through said control network; detecting said signaling through said
control network in a monitoring network; responsive at least in
part to said detection of said signals, generating in said
monitoring network data regarding connections established through
said telephone network between said first subscriber terminal and a
third subscriber terminal connected to one of said program
controlled switching systems; storing in a storage associated with
said monitoring network at least a part of said data generated
therein, wherein data stored in the step of storing includes data
regarding unsuccessful attempts to establish connections through
said telephone network between said first subscriber terminal and a
third subscriber terminal connected to one of said program
controlled switching systems; transmitting at least a part of said
data from said storage associated with said monitoring network to
said second subscriber terminal.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD
The present invention relates to a method and system for providing
lawfully authorized electronic surveillance service in a Public
Switched Telephone System (PSTN) and more particularly to
configuring existing telephone networks using various types of
switches to effectively and economically provide such service.
Acronyms
The written description uses a large number of acronyms to refer to
various services, messages and system components. Although
generally known, use of several of these acronyms is not strictly
standardized in the art. For purposes of this discussion, acronyms
therefore will be defined as follows: Address Complete Message
(ACM) Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) American National
Standards Institute (ANSI) ANswer Message (ANM) Automated Message
Accounting (AMA) Automatic Number Identification (ANI) Call
Processing Record (CPR) Central Office (CO) Common Channel
Signaling (CCS) Communications for Assistance for Law Enforcement
Act (CALEA) Custom Local Area Signaling Services (CLASS) Federal
Bureau of Investigation (FBI) Generic Address Parameter (GAP)
Generic Data Interface (GDI) Initial Address Message (IAM)
Integrated Service Control Point (ISCP) Integrated Services Digital
Network (ISDN) ISDN User Part (ISUP) Intelligent Peripheral (IP)
Local Access and Transport Area (LATA) Local Number Portability
(LNP) Location Routing Number (LRN) Multi-Services Application
Platform (MSAP) Numbering Plan Area (NPA) Office Equipment (OE)
Origination Point Code (OPC) Personal Communications Service (PCS)
Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) Point in Call (PIC) Personal
Identification Number (PIN) Primary Rate Interface (PRI) Public
Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) Records Accounting Office (RAO)
Record Change Memory Administration Center (RCMAC) Remote Memory
Administration System (RMAS) Service Control Point (SCP) Service
Creation Environment (SCE) Service Management System (SMS) Service
Switching Point (SSP) Signaling System 7 (SS7) Signaling Point (SP)
Signaling Transfer Point (STP) Simplified Message Desk Interface
(SMDI) Speaker Identification/Verification (SIV) Telecommunications
Industry Association (TIA) Terminating Attempt Trigger (TAT) Time
Slot Interchange (TSI) Traffic Service Position System (TSPS)
Transaction Capabilities Applications Part (TCAP) Transmission
Control Protocol/Internet Protocol (TCP/IP)
BACKGROUND
Historically in the United States authorities such as city, state,
or federal police authorities, may engage in electronic
surveillance (frequently referred to in the vernacular as
wire-tapping), when duly authorized to perform such an activity by
a cognizant judicial authority. In earlier times, when public
telephone service was virtually all analog the procedure was
relatively simple. Assuming surveillance of a residence connected
to the telephone network by a local loop consisting of a pair of
copper wires, the usual practice was to locate a convenient cross
connect and bridge on to the two wire analog circuit. The entity
conducting the surveillance then engaged the serving telephone
network operator or company to provide a circuit from that location
to the law enforcement location. The law enforcement organization
could then monitor the conversations, generally referred to as
content, as well as the call set up and related signaling.
Statistically approximately 90 percent of the authorized
surveillance in the United States does not cover content but
signaling data. Such events are referred to as Pen register
taps.
With the widespread use of digital communication and control
signaling, the simplicity and ease of the prior surveillance
procedures has largely disappeared. As a result, law enforcement
agencies, and cooperating Public Switched Telephone Networks
(PSTNs), are forced to cope with a considerably more complex and
costly substitute set of procedures. Partially in response to this
situation Congress passed Public Law 103-414, the Communications
Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA). The Telecommunications
Industry Association (TIA), accredited by the American National
Standards Institute (ANSI), was selected by the telecommunications
industry to promulgate the industry's CALEA standard. TIA promptly
initiated a standards program. Initial disagreements within
industry were resolved, and TR45 Lawfully Authorized Electronic
Surveillance SP-3580, Baseline Revision 10 was produced. These have
become known as the "safe harbor" standards pending resolution of
still outstanding differences with respect to certain preferences
of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
The CALEA specifications include the requisite that the target for
surveillance continue to be provided with all subscribed enhanced,
CLASS, and other services, and that the surveillance be completely
transparent. The central office switches currently in use in the
public switched telephone networks were not designed with CALEA
functions in mind. As a result it is not surprising that not all
types of existing switches are readily adapted to operate in a
network that meets major CALEA requirements.
The basic surveillance problem has undergone continued evolution as
telecommunications technology has advanced and provided the public
with an ever-increasing variety of services. Illustrative of such
services, which create added complexity for effective telephone
surveillance, is call forwarding and particularly remotely
activated call forwarding. Another example is central office based
speed dialing.
Since the proposed CALEA requirements are worded in terms of
service, i.e., monitoring the telephone service (signaling and
speech) of the subject, and anything that can be accomplished with
the service, significant problems are presented. This becomes
particularly acute when coupled with a desire that the surveillance
preferably be near universally applicable to all telephone central
offices, including end offices that rely on legacy switches. One
example of a specific problem is encountered with end offices using
Lucent (formerly AT&T) 1AESS switches. These switches are among
the earlier variety of stored program controlled switches and are
rapidly being retired. As a consequence, it would not be wise to
expend large sums to develop CALEA feature software for these
switches. On the other hand the later Lucent 5ESS switches will be
in service for many years to come and it may make sense to develop
the requested surveillance capabilities in a number of network
configurations. Cost considerations weigh heavily in selecting and
providing an acceptable solution.
It is accordingly an object of the present invention to provide a
relatively straightforward and cost effective solution to the
foregoing problem.
DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
For some years, the telephone industry has been developing an
enhanced telephone network, sometimes referred to as an Advanced
Intelligent Network (AIN), for providing a wide array of new voice
grade telephone service features. In an AIN type system, local
and/or toll offices of the public telephone network detect one of a
number of call processing events identified as AIN "triggers". An
office which detects a trigger will suspend call processing,
compile a call data message and forward that message via a common
channel signaling (CCS) link to a database system, such as an
Integrated Service Control Point (ISCP) which includes a
Multi-Services Application Platform (MSAP) database. If needed, the
ISCP can instruct the central office to obtain and forward
additional information. Once sufficient information about the call
has reached the ISCP, the ISCP accesses its stored data tables in
the MSAP database to translate the received message data into a
call control message and returns the call control message to the
office of the network via CCS link. The network offices then use
the call control message to complete the particular call. An AIN
type network for providing an Area Wide Centrex service, for
example, was disclosed and described in detail in commonly assigned
U.S. Pat. No. 5,247,571 to Kay et al., the disclosure of which is
entirely incorporated herein by reference.
In an AIN network developed by the Regional Bell Operating
Companies (RBOCs) and Bell Communications Research (Bellcore), a
terminal and software system referred to as `SPACE` functions as
the service creation environment and/or service provisioning system
for the AIN control functions in the Service Control Points (SCPs)
and Integrated Service Control Points (ISCPs) For example, as
disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,241,588 Babson, III et al., customized
call processing information records are created and/or modified in
a graphical environment, by creating or modifying a customer's
service graph on the display terminal. Data corresponding to the
service graph is then stored in the SCP. Other terminal and
software systems could be used to create and provision the AIN
services. For AIN services today, however, telephone company
personnel widely utilize the SPACE system to create templates for
the service logic for new services. When customers subscribe to the
services, the templates are filled in with the subscribers' data to
create individual call processing records (CPRs). The CPRs are
stored in a database in the ISCP, for controlling actual call
processing.
Many of the enhanced communication services offered by the AIN
control system permit a subscriber to input control information, to
manage services as desired. For example, in a simple call
forwarding or redirection service, the subscriber may activate or
deactivate the forwarding feature and may change the `forward to`
number from time to time to route calls to different
destinations.
Typically such a call forwarding service may be activated by
subscribers dialing an activation code followed by a local or toll
telephone or directory number (DN). Thereafter, until the
subscriber dials a de-activation code, the switching system
forwards all of the subscriber's calls to the thus entered
forwarding directory number. In effectuating this service a party
served by a local SSP switch office and who subscribes to call
forwarding service has stored in the memory at the office, data
identifying the party as a subscriber. In addition data is also
stored at the office indicating if the service is activated and, if
so, a directory number to which incoming calls are to be forwarded.
When an incoming call is received the stored program of the office
directs the interrogation of the memory data associated with the
called station to determine if the called party subscribes to call
forwarding service. If not, or if the service is not activated, the
call is completed to the called station in ordinary fashion.
However if a call forwarding service is active for the called party
the stored program obtains the forwarding number from memory and
from that point acts effectively as an originating office with
respect to the new number. That is, the office may complete the
call locally to the new number if it is served by the office, or it
may seize an outgoing trunk to another local office or to a toll
network, as the situation demands, and outpulse the new number to a
distant office to complete the call.
With standard call forwarding, programming is accomplished either
from the subscriber's primary DN or manually by a technician at the
Record Change Memory Administration Center (RCMAC), using the
Remote Memory Administration System (RMAS). Conventional Call
Forwarding provides an access code and a series of prompts to guide
the customer through the call forwarding programming sequence.
Recently there has been implemented a new feature which may be
referred to as Remote Access to Call Forwarding (RACF). With Remote
Access to call forwarding a subscriber can utilize any telephone
equipped with DTMF signaling capability, dial a special access
number, followed by a Personal Identification Number (PIN), and
then dial additional codes in order to activate or deactivate the
call forwarding feature.
An improved version of a system for providing such call forwarding
is described in commonly assigned Hanle et al U.S. Pat. No.
5,012,511, issued Apr. 30, 1991, titled Method of and System for
Control of Special Services by Remote Access. That patent is
incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. One version of
the system described in the Hanle et al. patent for remotely
programming switches, uses multiplexing of processed recent change
signals delivered to the switch. This particular version of the
Hanle et al system provides very prompt, approaching virtually real
time, effectuation of callforwarding instructions. In this
procedure the instructions pass through and are stored in a node
which may be located in a multi-services application platform
(MSAP).
In a public switched telephone network, interoffice call attempts
to or from a line under surveillance generate a variety of query,
response and release messages between the offices, as part of the
normal procedures for setting up and tearing down the calls to and
from the line. According to one feature of the invention means are
provided to insure that all calls to or from a line under
surveillance generate signaling messages. This is accomplished
according to one embodiment of the invention by setting
terminating, dialing, and release triggers with respect to the
target line, as well as any lines that may become associated with
the target line. As a result, the end office serving the target,
which may or may not be the end office to which the target's local
loop line is attached, sends queries to a database on the signaling
network, receives response messages, and sends release report
messages, even for intraoffice calls. These messages include all of
the call set-up and tear down messages, as well as the query,
response and release report messages communicated between the
office and the database.
A site processor, acting as a data filter, compiles data from all
of the signaling messages relating to each individual call, to or
from an identified telephone number or line (the target). The site
processor forms a call detail record (CDR) for each call attempt
relating to an identified target under surveillance. Site
processors associated with multiple switches involved in
surveillance activities may upload CDRs to a central file server
for parsing, sorting and further processing. The server supplies
composite data regarding calls to and from targets under
surveillance through a data network connection to processors of one
or more law enforcement agencies. The activities involved are
transparent to the called and calling parties.
Caller ID signals reflect the target line despite the fact that
such would not typically occur with conventional PSTN network
architecture and procedures which may be utilized. Likewise billing
is controlled to insure that no detail in those procedures
indicates that anything but normal telephone service is involved.
With respect to call forwarding, signaling information relating to
installation of the service, activation and de-activation, and the
identification of the forwarding number or numbers are collected at
multiple nodes in the system. The necessary information to conduct
surveillance on forwarded calls is then derived or forwarded from
the appropriate node or nodes in order that the surveillance may be
complete.
Pursuant to one feature of the invention the advanced intelligent
network is used in conjunction with programmable monitors to trap
and temporarily store or record predetermined data associated with
designated call attempts, call set-up, call tear down, originating
and destinating directory numbers, call duration, and other
information with respect to the telephone activities of parties
under surveillance. This information from monitors in one cluster
is stored in a site controller for that cluster. That information
and similar information gathered from site controllers for other
clusters is sent to a central controller server and from there is
distributed via a telephone network intranet to the surveillance
center. Under the direction of a telephone network management
system information from other sources in the network is likewise
forwarded via the telephone network intranet to the surveillance
center.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
The drawing figures depict the present invention by way of example,
not by way of limitations. In the figures, like reference numerals
refer to the same or similar elements.
FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic illustration of a public switched
telephone network showing its relation to an SS7 common channel
signaling network according to one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 2 shows a simplified block diagram of an electronic program
controlled switch of the SSP type, which has been modified pursuant
to one preferred embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic illustration of a public switched
telephone network showing its relation to an SS7 common channel
signaling network, intranet, and intelligent peripheral (IP)
according to another embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic illustration of a public switched
telephone network showing its relation to an SS7 common channel
interoffice signaling network, intranet, intelligent peripheral
(IP), and SS7 monitoring system according to a further embodiment
of the invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Referring to FIG. 1 there is shown one preferred embodiment of a
Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) arranged in an
architecture adapted to being operated to implement one or more
preferred methods of the invention. Referring to that figure, there
is shown in diagrammatic form a Public Switched Telephone Network
(PSTN) 100 having an Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN) common
channel signaling (CCS) system 102. The PSTN 100 includes an end
office (EO) or central office (CO) switching system 104. The
switching system 104 is assumed to be a Lucent 5ESS switch for
purposes of this example. A second end office switching system is
shown at 106, and this switch is assumed to be a Lucent 1AESS
switch. The 1AESS switch is not subject to ready modification to
implement CALEA features when used in this embodiment of the
invention. The end offices 104 and 106 are connected by a trunks or
trunk groups shown at 108.
These end offices 104 and 106 are located in the same LATA but are
geographically spaced. The end office 106, containing the 1AESS
switch, is connected by a local loop 110 to the residence 112. The
residence 112 has Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) and is assumed
to be occupied by a target of surveillance (target). The end office
104, served by the 5ESS switch, is connected by a voice and data
link 114, preferably an ISDN PRI link, to customer premises 116.
The customer premises 116 is assumed to be occupied by the
enforcement authority having the surveillance authorization, here
indicated as the FBI by way of illustration. The ISDN voice and
data link 114 is preferably dedicated.
The common channel signaling (CCS) advanced intelligent network
(AIN), is represented by the signal transfer point (STP) 118 and
service control point (SCP) 120, which may be an Integrated
Services Control Point (ISCP). All of the switching offices
depicted are assumed to be service switching point (SSP) capable.
The STP is linked to the two end offices 104 and 106 by data links
shown by broken lines. Likewise the STP is shown linked to the SCP
by a data link shown as a broken line.
In 1996, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the
"First Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,"
which requires Local Number Portability (LNP) in the top MSAs
(Metropolitan Statistical Areas) by the end of 1998. In rat January
of 1998 Bell Atlantic announced that it was providing LNP service
to two Competitor Local Exchange Carriers in New York and would
offer the service in twenty-four major metropolitan areas and
additional areas by the end of the year. It is a feature of this
invention that it not only utilizes the capabilities of LNP where
it exists, but also provides the surveillance service seamlessly
through areas with as well as without LNP capability. LNP
capability in FIG. 1 is represented by the LNP database 121
connected by data link to the STP 118.
In order to accomplish the purposes of the invention according to
this embodiment, CALEA capabilities are first established in the
office 104, which contains the more feature rich 5ESS switch. To
this end the 5ESS switch is provided with a CALEA module which
comprises a processor and processor program and data store. The
CALEA module is in two way data communication and one way voice
communication with the administrative module of the 5ESS switch as
is later described in detail with respect to FIG. 2.
According to a first method of operation with the network shown in
FIG. 1, all of the central offices in this LATA have either a Local
Number Portability (INP) or a 3/6/10 SDS (Specific Digit String)
trigger set against the Centreville NPA/NX 703-222. According to
the invention both the SCP 120 database and the LNP database 121
have established therein a table which contains a translation of
the target number from 703-222-111 to a local routing number (LRN),
which may be 875-1111, by way of illustrative example. The
establishment of both databases is not necessary so long as one
database is provided. However the invention comprehends that both
databases will occur in areas being convened to provide LNP
service.
In addition to the LNP or 3/6/10 SDS trigger a terminating attempt
trigger (TAT) is, set in the 5ESS office 104. This office may serve
as the CALEA implementation office for non-CALEA capable switches
in this LATA or within a designated area in this LATA.
The operation for incoming calls to the target is best illustrated
by a concrete example. For this purpose there is shown in FIG. 1 an
additional end office 124 which is illustratively located in
Alexandria, Va. The end office 124 serves an Alexandria subscriber
having a terminal 126, which may have a directory number of
703-684-1111. When the Alexandria subscriber uses terminal 126 to
dial the number of the target 703-222-1111, the 3/6/10 or LNP
trigger, which is set in all end offices in the LATA, including the
Alexandria office 124, suspends processing and launches a query to
the SCP 120 or to the LNP database 121 via STP 118.
The SCP or LNP database consults its table against the number
703-222-1111 and determines the associated Local Routing Number
(LRN) 703-875-1111. The SCP thereupon frames a TCAP response to the
query and instructs the Alexandria switch 124 to set up a route for
that 703-875-1111 call in the same manner as it would for any other
875 or local portability number. The Alexandria switch 124 then
regenerates the original call to the Arlington switch 104, sending
along the 703-222-1111 directory number of the target in the GAP
(Generic Address Parameter) field of the signaling message. The SSP
recognizes the LRN. The original called number is pulled from the
Generic Address Parameter (GAP) and placed in the called party ID
field. The Arlington SSP routes the call to 703-222-1111.
Pursuant to the incoming signaling message, the CALEA module and
regime or software searches its table of target directory numbers
and confirms that the 222-1111 number of the target 112 is to
receive surveillance processing. The Arlington switch 104 now will
perform all of the routines required by the CALEA module of the
5ESS switch, which is presently described in further detail.
Further, at this point the call encounters a terminating attempt
trigger in the Arlington 5ESS office 104. This results in a further
query via a TCAP message from the Arlington 5. ESS office 104 to
the SCP 120 via the STP 118. The SCP returns a further TCAP message
to the 5ESS switch, which instructs the 5ESS switch to route the
call to telephone number 703-222-1111 in the Centreville 1AESS
switch 106 via the common interoffice trunk group 108. At this time
ring signal is provided to the target terminal 112. This embodiment
of the invention eliminates the need for a dedicated Foreign
Exchange (FX) line for each surveillance target which is described
in the common owner's copending application Ser. No. 09/112,154,
above as a related application.
When the Arlington switch 104 responds to the incoming signaling
message and the TCAP message and initiates its routine against the
target 112 in Centreville, it performs two primary functions: It
routes the call to the target telephone '112 via the Centreville
switch 106 and the public interoffice trunk group 108, and it
implements surveillance against the target by means of the
programming of the CALEA module and software in the 5ESS switch
104, which is specified in detail in the previously referenced
Telecommunications Industry Association TR45.2 Subcommittee
PN-3580, Baseline Revision 10 Standard. That Standard defines the
current services and interfaces for lawfully authorized electronic
surveillance. It permits and prescribes delivery of specified
communications and call-identifying information to a law
enforcement agency subject to legal authorization. The standard
defines a messaging protocol between a telecommunication service
provider and a law enforcement agency. That standard is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
An outgoing target call is now described. When the target goes
off-hook at target premises 112, this appears as an off-hook and
request for service in the Centreville central office 106. There is
an off-hook delay trigger set in the Centreville central office on
the target line. The off-hook thus triggers a query from the
Centreville office 106 to the SCP. The SCP returns a TCAP response
directing the 1AESS switch to route the call to the call to the
Arlington 5ESS, using an IAM signaling message in which the called
number is substituted for the calling number in the charge number
field, the LRN of the 5ESS switch is placed in the called number
field, and the number of the target (703-222-1111) is placed in the
GAP field.
When the IAM signaling message reaches the Arlington 5ESS switch it
encounters a terminating attempt trigger and directs a TCAP query
message to the SCP. The Call Processing Record (CPR) in the SCP
recognizes that calls from calling number 703-222-1111 are subject
to surveillance treatment, and responds to the Arlington 5ESS with
a TCAP message in which the originally dialed called number is
extracted from the charge number field, replaced with the target's
number (703-222-1111), and placed in the called number field. The
Arlington 5ESS, on receiving the TCAP message from the SCP, will
perform two primary functions. First, it will route the call to the
dialed number, populating the "calling number" field of its
signaling message with the target's number (703-222-1111) so that
any calling number display devices at the called party's telephone
will display the normal telephone number of the target, thus
achieving the "transparency" required by CALEA.
In addition, the 5ESS switch will run its CALEA service regime
associated with that target line. The CALEA module responds by
executing its software to provide the enforcement authority 116
with the one-way information to which their specific authorization
entitles them.
This procedure in response to the off-hook delay trigger also
directs the Arlington office to implement collection and reporting
of information as to the start of the call, completion of the call,
time, and when the call is completed. The Arlington office 104 is
thus instructed to add an AMA journal or equivalent record for that
call based on what the SCP, the 5ESS switch, and the CALEA storage
have in their collective information for handling that call. The
SCP will direct that the billing which is accomplished from the
Arlington office be attributed to the Centreville office as the
originating office. The Arlington office will enter this in its
journal and send it to the Revenue Accounting Office (RAO). The
rating and charges are based on Centerville parameters. In addition
the SCP response to the off-hook delay trigger will attend to
insuring that the caller ID data being sent to a called party
identifies the target number 222-1111, and not the Arlington number
703-875-1111.
Because the functioning of the invention is dependent upon the
operation of switching systems the operation of a typical 5ESS
switch is described. The addition of a CALEA module to this switch
is then discussed.
FIG. 2 shows a simplified block diagram of an electronic program
controlled switch of the SSP type. As illustrated, the switch
includes a number of different types of modules. In particular, the
illustrated switch includes interface modules 51 (only two of which
are shown), a communications module 53 and an administrative module
55.
The interface modules 51 each include a number of interface units 0
to n. The interface units terminate lines from subscribers'
stations, trunks, T1 carrier facilities, etc. Each such termination
is identified by an OE number. Where the interfaced circuit is
analog, for example a subscriber loop, the interface unit will
provide analog to digital conversion and digital to analog
conversion. Alternatively, the lines or trunks may use digital
protocols such as T1 or ISDN. Each interface module 51 also
includes a digital service unit (not shown) which is used to
generate call progress tones and receive and detect dialed digits
in pulse code or dual-tone multi-frequency form.
In the illustrated embodiment, the unit 0 of the upper interface
module 51 provides an interface for the signaling and communication
links to an enforcement agency terminal 122 shown in FIG. 1. In
this implementation, the links preferably consist of one or more
ISDN PRI circuits each of which carries 23 bearer (B) channels for
communication traffic (content traffic) and one data (D) channel
for signaling data. The connection may be referred to as a half tap
because it is unidirectional. The enforcement authority, such as
the FBI receives the authorized data and content but is isolated
from the target. This is also essential in order that the
surveillance be maintained transparent to both the target and any
calling party in contact with the target.
Each interface module 51 includes, in addition to the noted
interface units; a duplex microprocessor based module controller
and a duplex time slot interchange, referred to as a TSI in the
drawing. Digital words representative of voice information are
transferred in two directions between interface units via the time
slot interchange (intramodule call connections) or transmitted in
two directions through the network control and timing links to the
time multiplexed switch 57 and thence to another interface module
(intermodule call connection).
The communication module 53 includes the time-multiplexed switch 57
and a message switch 59. The time multiplexed switch 57 provides
time division transfer of digital voice data packets between voice
channels of the interface modules 51 and transfers signaling data
messages between the interface modules. The switch 57, together
with the TSIs of the interface modules, form the overall switch
fabric for selectively connecting the interface units in call
connections.
The message switch 59 interfaces the administrative module 55 to
the time multiplexed switch 57, so as to provide a route through
the time multiplexed switch permitting two-way transfer of control
related messages between the interface modules 51 and the
administrative module 55 and the CALEA module processor 54 and its
program store 56 and data store 58. In addition, the message switch
59 terminates special data links, for example a link for receiving
a synchronization carrier used to maintain digital synchronism.
The administrative module 55 and its adjunct CALEA module 54
provide high level control of all call processing operations of the
switch. The administrative module 55 includes an administrative
module processor 61, which is a computer equipped with disc storage
63, for overall control of central office (CO) operations. Likewise
the CALEA processor is a computer equipped with a disk storage 56
which contains one or more CALEA programs or applications which are
run to effect control of the associated switching system to
implement CALEA operations and functions. These are specified in
detail in the above-mentioned PS or PN 3580 which is incorporated
by reference herein in its entirety.
The CALEA data store serves as a database of tables and data
reflecting the treatment to be accorded telephone or other
subscriber terminals authorized for surveillance in accord with the
limits of the authorization which is applicable. The data store 58
also serves as a repository of the information derived from
signaling messages by the processor 54. As such the data store may
contain the filtered results from all of the signaling messages
relating to each individual call, to and from an identified
telephone number or line. The CALEA processor or site processor
forms a call detail record (CDR) for each call attempt relating to
an identified target under surveillance. In the case where a number
of CALEA modules are involved and associated with different
switches the various site processors may upload CDRs to a central
file server (not shown) for parsing, sorting and further
processing. The server may supply composite data regarding calls to
and from targets under surveillance through a data network
connection to one or more law enforcement agencies.
The administrative module processor 61 communicates with the
interface modules 51 through the communication module 53. The
administrative module 55 may include one or more input/output
processors (not shown) providing interfaces to terminal devices for
technicians and data links to operations systems for traffic,
billing (AMA), maintenance data, etc.
A CCIS terminal 73 and an associated data unit 71 provide an SS7
signaling link between the administrative module processor 61 and
CALEA module processor 54 and one of the signal transfer points
(STPs) in the Advanced Intelligent Network (AIN). Although only one
such link is shown, preferably there are a plurality of such links
providing redundant connections to both STPs of a mated pair and
providing sufficient capacity to carry all necessary signaling to
and from the particular end office 104. The SS7 signaling through
the terminal 73, the data unit 71 and the STPs provides two-way
signaling Research. The ISCP 338 is an integrated system that
includes the SCP database as well as a number of closely associated
management systems, both for service control input and for service
reporting.
As illustrated in FIG. 2, the administrative module 55 also
includes a call store 67 and a program store 69. Although shown as
separate elements for convenience, these are typically implemented
as memory elements within the computer serving as the
administrative module processor 61. The program store 69 stores
program instructions which direct operations of the computer
serving as the administrative module processor 61.
For each call in progress, a register assigned within the call
store 67 stores translation and user profile information retrieved
from disc storage 63 together with routing information and any
temporary information needed for processing the call. For example,
for a residential customer initiating a call, the call store 67
would receive and store line identification and outgoing call
billing information corresponding to an off-hook line initiating a
call. A register in the call store is assigned and receives profile
data from the disc memory both for originating subscribers on
outgoing calls and for terminating subscribers on incoming calls.
According to the invention the outgoing billing information and the
target profile data may be modified both pursuant to signaling from
the CALEA module and signaling received from the SCP.
It will be seen that these embodiments of the invention provides
multiple methods for enabling authorized telephone surveillance by
an enforcement authority pursuant to the CALEA requirements,
despite the fact that certain end offices in the telecommunications
network lack the capacity to implement the CALEA software and
methodology.
Referring to FIG. 3 there is shown a high level view of still
another preferred embodiment of the invention. It is a particular
feature of this embodiment that it is not required that the
involved network switches possess the capability imparted to the
5ESS switch 104 in FIG. 1. This embodiment of the invention relies
on a combined application of capabilities of AIN, particularly the
data distributor which forms an element of enhanced SCPs, an
Intelligent Peripheral (IP), and the multi-service application
platform associated with system management.
FIG. 3 shows a switched telephone network shown generally at 310,
and an enhanced AIN CCS control network shown generally at 312. The
telephone network is represented by central switching offices 314,
316, and 318. These offices include program controlled switching
systems (PCSs) which are generally of the type illustrated and
described with respect to FIG. 2. The specific type of switch in
the central office is not critical to this embodiment of the
invention and do not require the CALEA module shown in the
switching system of FIG. 2. The switching offices are shown
connected by trunks or trunk groups 320 and 322. The central office
314 is the end office for the surveillance agency (FBI) 324, and is
connected thereto by a dedicated voice and data link 326 shown as
combined solid and broken lines. The switching office 316 serves as
the end office of the customer under surveillance (target) 326. The
end office 316 may be connected by a twisted pair local loop 328 to
provide Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS) to the target.
The advanced intelligent network (AIN) is represented by an STP 330
connected to the central offices 314, 316, and 318 by data links
332, 334, and 336, shown as broken lines. STP 330 is also connected
to an SCP by the data link 340. In the preferred implementation the
SCP 342 constitutes an element of an Integrated Service Control
Point (ISCP) 338, of a type developed by Bell Atlantic and Bell
Communications Research. The ISCP 338 is an integrated system that
includes the SCP database as well as a number of closely associated
management systems, both for service control input and for service
reporting.
In this implementation, the SCP 342 is a processor, which maintains
a Multi-Services Application Platform (MSAP) database (not
separately shown) which contains call processing records (CPRs) for
processing of calls to and from various subscribers. Among its
other system components, the ISCP includes a Service Management
System (SMS) and a terminal subsystem referred to as a Service
Creation Environment or SCE for programming the MSAP database in
the SCP for the services subscribed to by each individual customer.
The SMS and SCE may be implemented as a SPACE system 344. The ISCP
338 typically includes a Data and Reporting System (DRS) 346, for
accumulating AIN service usage statistics. The ISCP 338 also
connects and communicates with one or more other data reporting
systems, represented by way of example by the data distributor (DD)
348. The ISCP 338 connects through SS7 links to one or more STPs,
shown in FIG. 3 by the illustrative link 340 for signaling
communications relating to call processing.
The elements within and associated with one ISCP 338 logically form
an ISCP `site` 350, for managing, providing, and reporting
intelligent network services for customers served through central
offices 314, 316, and 318 in a particular area or region. A large
carrier may operate a series of such ISCP sites. For network and
service management purposes, the ISCP sites all connect to and
communicate via a telephone company operations systems network
(OSN) or intranet 362.
A multi-services or management platform (MSP) 364 also connects to
and communicates with the central office switches 314, 316, and 318
and other nodes of the network via the intranet. The telephone
carriers have developed and operate a wide variety of computerized
systems for managing services offered through the telephone central
office switches, and only a few examples of such systems are shown
in the management platform 364 in FIG. 3.
For example, Memory Administration Recent Change System (MARCH) 352
processes and transmits data to the appropriate central office
switches 314, 316, and 318 for entry into switch memory, to create
and update subscriber profiles in the switches and thereby control
services provided by the switches to subscribers. Also, the central
office switches accumulate Automatic Message Accounting (AMA)
records for all calls through the switches. The switches dispatch
the AMA records through the Telco intranet to a computer system
serving as a Revenue Accounting Office (RAO) 354.
Service Order Administration and Control System (SOACS) 356
processes orders for new services or modifications to existing
services. For example, when a customer calls orders a new telephone
service associated with the customer's telephone number, for
example call forwarding, dial tone, call waiting or caller ID, or
calls to change an existing service, for example call forwarding,
SOACS performs a number of processes relating to satisfying that
order and implementing the requested service. For the switch memory
related functions, for example, SOACS processes the data into
appropriate format and hands off the formatted data to the MARCH
system 352. MARCH in turn qualifies the data, and if the data meets
the relevant qualification criteria, MARCH transmits the data to
the appropriate central office switch through RCMAC for entry into
memory. The above-identified Hanle et al. patent provides a
detailed description of such operation.
According to this embodiment of the invention the telephone network
is provided with at least one intelligent peripheral (IP) 358 which
is connected with the ISCP 338 by an SS7 data link 360. The IP is
also preferably connected to the OSN intranet 362 for additional
communication with the ISCP site 350 and the multi-service
management system 364. The intelligent peripheral 358 preferably
serves a large area. By way of example, the area serviced by the
ISCP 338, or the area served by the ISCP 338 and other ISCPs
connected thereto. In this manner CALEA surveillance can be
implemented through large regions of the telephone network with
minimal adjunct equipment. The intelligent peripheral or IP may be
of the type described in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 5,572,583
to David F. Wheeler, Jr. and Robert D. Farris. That patent
discloses an intelligent peripheral (IP) for providing enhanced
call processing functions, such as announcement and digit
collection, voice recognition, facsimile mail and voice mail, in an
AIN type telephone network. The IP connects through telephone line
groups to one or more Service Switching Point (SSP) offices of the
telephone network. The IP also communicates with the ISCP via a
signaling network separate from the voice circuits and from the CCS
network, such as the OSN intranet 362. One a major use for the IP
358 according to this embodiment of the invention, relates to
provisioning and/or modifying. services such as call
forwarding.
The IP provides prompts and receives DTMF or speech inputs from
subscribers. Typically, a telephone company technician initially
sets up a subscriber's service using the Service Creation
Environment or SCE in the ISCP. As part of that procedure, the
technician establishes one or more data tables for the subscriber
in the service control point (SCP) database. Subsequently, the
subscriber may control the service by inputting data to populate
the subscriber's data table(s) through an interaction with the ISCP
and/or the IP, and thence through MARCH. The newly input control
data is transferred from the IP to the ISCP for storage and for
subsequent control of the subscriber's communication services. A
further detailed description of the operation of such provisioning,
maintenance and operation of such a combination of ISCP site,
switch management system, and intranet in a telephone system using
enhanced AIN is set out in commonly assigned application of Te-An
Chang et al., Ser. No. 08/904,117, filed Jul. 31, 1997. The portion
of that application pertaining thereto is incorporated by reference
herein in its entirety.
The intelligent peripheral or IP 358 connects to at least one of
the central offices 314, 316, and 318. This connection is shown as
central office 318 in FIG. 3. The connections transport both
communication traffic and signaling. While the connection between
the central office 318 and the IP 358 might use a combination of a
T1 and a Simplified Message Desk Interface (SMDI) link, this
connection preferably utilizes a primary rate interface (PRI) type
ISDN link. Each such connection provides digital transport for a
number of two-way voice grade type telephone communications (B or
bearer channels) and a channel transporting signaling data messages
(D or data channel) in both directions between the switch 318 and
the IP 358.
There are certain circumstances in which the ISCP 338 communicates
with the IP 358. These communications could utilize an 1129
protocol and go through an SSP type central office 318 and the SS7
network. However, in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 3, the
IP 358 and the ISCP 338 communicate with each other via a separate
second signaling network, for example via the link 361 and the
Operations Systems Network (OSN) 362 or intranet. These
communications through the intranet OSN between the IP and the ISCP
may utilize an 1129+ protocol or a generic data interface (GDI)
protocol as discussed in the above incorporated Patent to Wheeler,
Jr. et al.
In the operation of the network shown in FIG. 3, any given
subscriber's telephone services may be controlled by data residing
in one or more of the central office switching systems, in one or
more SCPs 342 (and/or the peripherals at the ISCP site), or in the
IP 358. In a network such as shown in FIG. 3, routing typically is
based on dialed digit information, profile information regarding
the link or station used by the calling party, and profile
information regarding a line or station in some way associated with
the dialed digits. The respective end office switches 314, 316, and
318 store the profiles associated with the stations or lines served
out of those offices. In the intelligent network implementation,
each SCP/ISCP maintains a Multi-Services Application Platform
(MSAP) database, which contains call processing records (CPRs) for
processing of calls to and from various subscribers to AIN type
services. For some services requiring processing by the IP 358, the
IP also may store subscriber specific control information, for use
in providing the subscriber with the desired service. This includes
the CALEA type surveillance service.
On a non-AIN call, an end office type switch will detect an
off-hook condition on the line and provide dial tone. The switch
identifies the line by its OE number. The office also retrieves
profile information corresponding to the OE number and off-hook
line. If needed, the profile identifies the currently assigned
telephone number. The switch in the end office receives dialed
digits and routes the call. The switch may route the call to
another line serviced by that switch, or the switch may route the
call over trunks and possibly through one or more tandem offices to
an office that serves the called party's station or line. The
switch terminating a call to a destination will also utilize
profile information relating to the destination, for example to
forward the call if appropriate, to apply distinctive ringing,
etc.
AIN call processing involves a query and response procedure between
an SSP capable switching office 314, 316, and 318, and a database
system, such as the ISCP and its peripherals. The SSP capable
switching offices initiate such processing upon detection of
triggering events. At some point during processing of a telephone
call, a central office switching system will recognize an event in
call processing as a `Point in Call` (PIC) which triggers a query,
for example to the ISCP 338. Ultimately, the ISCP will return an
instruction to the switching system to continue call processing
pursuant to its instructions. This type of AIN call processing can
utilize a variety of different types of triggers to cause the SSPs
to initiate the query and response signaling procedures with the
ISCP 338 and ISCP site 350 as well as the multi-service management
platform 364.
The telephone carrier(s) operate a number of service and switch
management systems, for creating and updating subscriber specific
service control information at the various nodes in the telephone
network. As mentioned earlier, call processing records (CPRs) in
the data bases associated with each ISCP site are created and
managed by a terminal system referred to as a service creation
environment (SCE) and a service management system (SMS). Profile
data may be loaded into memory in the switches by an automated
system, such as Memory Administration Recent Change System or
`MARCH`. MARCH qualifies the data and transmits qualified data to
the appropriate central office switch for entry into memory. The
management systems also include a variety of data accumulation
systems, for preparing usage statistics and/or calculating
bills.
As mentioned previously, authorized surveillance falls into two
categories, namely, surveillance of data as to called and calling
parties, time and duration of calls, etc., and, on the other hand,
surveillance of the actual content of the calls. Statistically 90
percent of authorized surveillance is directed at data. The network
illustrated in FIG. 3 is designed to accomplish both data and
content types of surveillance in accord with CALEA
requirements.
Part of the ISCP site is the data distributor (DD) 348 which is
available with modern SCPs. The data distributor is, among other
things, a recording device to record information that has come from
or which may be obtained from the switch. While the intelligent
peripheral or IP 358 could be provided in a local distributed
version with multiple IPs associated with multiple switches, it is
preferably utilized in a remote fashion to serve an extended area,
such as a LATA. In this configuration the IP 358 is connected to a
proximate central office switch 318 via a primary rate ISDN
connection to provide voice grade and data circuits. This is a
dedicated or private link which offers continuous connectivity
without call set up being required. In order that this single IP
may serve the multiple switches in the particular area, these
switches are connected to one another by similar dedicated primary
rate ISDN links, indicated by the double arrow connections in FIG.
3. As previously stated, the link 366 between the intelligent
peripheral and the surveillance station or FBI is preferably a
similar dedicated link.
Considering first the data surveillance function, it is necessary
to deal with two types of target calls. These comprise calls coming
into the target, on the one hand, and calls that are originated by
the target, on the other hand, i.e., incoming and outgoing calls.
For the purpose of handling incoming calls, a terminating attempt
trigger (TAT) is set in the central office 316 serving as the end
office for the target station 326. For the purpose of handling
outgoing calls from the target, an off-hook-delay (OHD) trigger is
set in that central or end office. The off hook delay trigger is
detected during off hook processing, however, the sending of the
query from SSP 316 is delayed until digit collection is
complete.
The party making the call from the target terminal will either dial
a seven or ten digit number which is the directory number (DN) of
the called party, or will dial a speed call. In this embodiment of
the invention both options are covered for CALEA purposes. In the
case of a speed call, the dialed characters are interpreted as
directory numbers, are collected at the switch and sent to the SCP
in the query message, along with the number of the target station
and other data. The other data may include the date, the time of
dialing, and the carrier which is to be used. This data is then
collected in the data distributor 348.
The SCP reply to the query message preferably includes a send
notification parameter message which activates a switch feature in
the serving end office 316. The send notification parameter will
determine and record whether the remote party was busy, whether the
call was answered, and, if answered, the duration and time of
termination of the call. This information is sent from the switch
to the ISCP and thence to the data distributor 348 where it is
recorded. In actuality two sets of messages are recorded, namely,
the attempt signaling and the completion signaling. This is
collected in the data distributor 348 and can be transferred from
there to any other desired node. In this case it is sent to the
authorized surveillance authority or FBI 324. Thus, the data
required by CALEA specifications for outgoing calls can be
collected in the data distributor and sent directly to the
surveillance authority, in this case the FBI at 324. The data may
be transferred via the direct data link 368, which is shown in FIG.
3. It will be understood that the necessary security servers and
functions can be provided to maintain confidentiality of the
information. The information can be provided on a near real time
basis. The data is forwarded by the data distributor as promptly as
possible and preferably is on a virtual real time basis.
In the case of incoming calls, a terminating attempt trigger is
provided in the end office 316 for the DN of the target 326. Upon
activation of the TAT trigger, the end office 316 suspends the
call, sends a query to the ISCP, and collects designated
information. This information would include the incoming call
telephone number (DN), the date, and the time. A send notification
parameter is also set to determine whether the target answered the
phone and, if so, the duration of the call. This data is then sent
to the data distributor 348 where it is recorded and then delivered
to the surveillance office.
If the target is using a call forwarding service, the pertinent
data can also be recorded at the switch and sent to the data
distributor pursuant to instructions from the ISCP. A record can be
made of the number to which the call was forwarded, if forwarding
was activated, and the details regarding completion and termination
of the call. The report to the surveillance authority will show the
incoming call, the dialed telephone or directory number, the
calling telephone number, the number to which a call forwarding
attempt was made, whether the-call was completed to that number,
the addresses of all directory numbers, and the duration of the
call. The presence or absence of a directory number in the call
forwarding field indicates whether or not call forwarding is
activated.
It is another feature of the invention that the system shown in
FIG. 3 permits recording whether and when call forwarding is
installed, the identity of the forwarding number, and when the
installed service is activated and de-activated. As previously
discussed, the Service Order Administration and Control System
(SOACS) 356 processes orders for new services or modifications to
existing services. Thus, when a customer calls and orders call
forwarding, SOACS performs a number of processes relating to
satisfying that order and implementing the service. For the switch
memory related functions, such as call forwarding, SOACS processes
the data into appropriate format and hands off the formatted data
to the MARCH system 352. MARCH in turn qualifies the data, and if
the data meets the relevant qualification criteria, MARCH transmits
the data to the appropriate central office switch through RCMAC for
entry into memory.
According to one feature of the invention software is installed
into one or more MARCH computers which list subscribers and
directory numbers which are under surveillance. When the call
forwarding service is installed and the necessary call forwarding
data is forwarded to switch memory, the MARCH software triggers a
deposit of all or part of that information in the data distributor.
The information is thereupon reported to the surveillance authority
over the link 368 between the data distributor and the surveillance
authority station. The surveillance authority is thereby provided
with virtually real time notification of the installation of call
forwarding capabilities by the target. Similar triggering in MARCH
can alert the surveillance authority to any changes in the CPR of
the target in the switch memory.
Thus far the discussion regarding the FIG. 3 embodiment of the
invention has dealt with surveillance of call set up, tear down,
and the accumulation of the desired signaling data. In certain
cases it is desired to monitor call content. This must be
accomplished in a manner which is completely transparent to the
parties involved in communication with the target. At the same time
it is desirable to accomplish this goal with cost effective use of
the telephone network plant facilities. Such goals are attained in
this embodiment of the invention in the manner now described.
The intelligent peripheral or IP 358 is connected to the
surveillance facility by the dedicated link 366. This link is
preferably a primary rate (PRI) ISDN line. ISDN PRI is 23 B or
bearer channels and one D or data channel. The B channel is used
for the voice or content signals to the central office 318. The D
channel is used for signaling and instructions to the intelligent
peripheral. The connection between the IP and the central office
318 is also preferably a dedicated PRI ISDN link. Similarly the
links between the central offices 318, 314, and 316 include
dedicated PRI ISDN links.
The triggering for content surveillance is the same as described
above for data. However in a content surveillance situation the
customer profile record (CPR) of the target customer is modified in
the SCP or ISCP, and in the switch and the intelligent peripheral.
The response to the trigger query on both outgoing and incoming
calls will include instructions to connect the call while carrying
out other response instructions. These instructions would include a
send to resource remote, i.e., the intelligent peripheral. At
substantially the same time that this SS7 signaling occurs a second
intranet signal is sent to the intelligent peripheral to set up a
conference bridge with the completed call. That is, the response of
the SCP to the trigger query would direct the switch to send the
call to the IP over the dedicated link for bridging onto the call
the dedicated surveillance link to the FBI. The intelligent
peripheral, having received such bridging instructions via
independent signaling from the SCP, will immediately set up the
bridge. Time is critical in order to avoid any perceptible delay
that might indicate that surveillance exists. One advantage of this
procedure is that it requires only one dedicated link between the
IP and the surveillance premises 324. This is in contrast to such a
dedicated link being required between the surveillance premises and
a large number of central offices, if the totality of the bridging
occurred in a central office. Here the incoming or outgoing call to
the target through the target end office 316 is connected in the
switch 316. However, the call is extended via central offices 314
and 318 and their intervening dedicated PRI ISDN links to the
intelligent peripheral 358. At the intelligent peripheral the
surveillance-dedicated line 366 is bridged onto the call. It is
preferable that the surveillance station includes suitable muting
facilities as customer premise equipment.
According to a still further embodiment of the invention the
advanced intelligent network is used in conjunction with
programmable monitors to trap and temporarily store or record
predetermined data associated with designated call attempts, call
set-up, call tear down, originating and destinating directory
numbers, call duration, and other information with respect to the
telephone activities of identified parties under surveillance.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,475,732 issued to Eugene Pester Dec. 12, 1995, for
Common Channeling Signaling Network Maintenance and Testing,
describes an SS7 Network Preventative Maintenance System for
detecting potential SS7 and switched network troubles,
automatically analyzing the troubles, and providing alarm and
corrective action to avoid major network events. The patent
describes real time SS7 monitors placed on links at the Signal
Transfer Points (STPs).
U.S. Pat. No. 5,592,530 issued to Brockman et al (Brockman) on Jan.
7, 1997 for Telephone Switch Dual Monitors, describes to testing
and monitoring systems for evaluating the operations of telephone
switches using monitors to capture data between nodes of a
telephone switching system where the data flows between mated
nodes, as in an SS7 common channel signaling network.
It has now been found that it is possible to use monitors of the
type described in the Pester and Brokkman et al. patents in a new
and different manner to achieve effective and advantageous
surveillance. Referring to FIG. 4, there is shown an AIN controlled
telephone network of the same general type as previously described
in relation to FIG. 3. Like reference numerals are used in FIG. 4
to designate like elements. FIG. 4 shows at 430 and 432 signal
transfer points (STPs) constituting a mated pair. As is known to
those skilled in the art, signal transfer points are generally
deployed in mated pairs at geographically spaced locations and
connected to a service control point (SCP). A pair of end office
switches with service switching point (SSP) capability is normally
connected to the pair of STPs. Thus the signal transfer points 430
and 432 are connected to the central or end office switches 314 and
318. The connections 434, 436, 438, and 440 comprise SS7 data links
shown with broken lines. The signal transfer points are also
connected by SS7 links 442 and 444 to the central or end office 316
which serves the telephone station under surveillance (target) 326.
The signal transfer points are connected to the SCP 342 by SS7 data
links 446 and 448.
Because the advanced intelligent network is designedly a redundant
system, the signals or messages between central office 314 and
central office 318 may travel different paths. As a result, data
relating to one session, event or parameter, such as signaling
related to one call or call attempt might be found all in one STP,
or split partially in one STP and partially in the other STP of the
mated pair.
According to this embodiment of the invention the data links
438-448 connected to the STP pair 430-432 are provided with a
series of monitors M. One monitor is bridged onto each link, with
each monitor having receive and transmit ports. As will be
understood by those skilled in the art, each SSP has a point code
comprising a nine-digit code assigned to every node in the network.
Each operating company has its own network ID normally represented
by three digits in the point code. The point code also contains a
three-digit cluster number. A cluster can include 32 central office
switches or SSPs, the SSPs being designated by the final three
numbers. The monitors M are addressable and have individual point
codes for control and programming purposes.
The monitors include processors and temporary storage. Each of the
monitors in a cluster for an STP is connected to a monitor or site
controller 450. These connections are data connections or links
which are indicated in FIG. 4 diagrammatically by small arrows at
the respective monitors M and site controller 450. The controller
450 includes a processor and storage and is preferably provided
with an operator terminal 452. The monitors and processors may be
of the type described in the previously identified Pester Patent.
That patent is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.
Additional site controllers, such as the controller 454 may be
provided to handle other central offices and STPs in the
system.
The site controllers are connected to a central or master
controller and server 456. The master controller and server is
preferably provided with an operator terminal 458 and storage 460.
The storage 460 is of such a capacity as to serve the instantaneous
needs of controller server 456 as well as provide archival storage
of data for future reference. The controller server 456 is
connected to the intranet or operating system network (OSN) 362 by
the data link 462. It will be understood that the OSN represents
internal data networks in the telephone system, such as for
example, one or more of the internal data networks to which various
management systems connect. For purposes of discussion herein, the
internal data network(s) are collectively referred to as the OSN
network. The connection of the management systems and the signal
control point to the OSN 362 enables communication between the
management systems and signal control point and the various nodes
of the telephone network. The communications through network 362
between the controller server, the SCP, and the intelligent
peripheral (IP), which is presently described, may utilize an 1129+
protocol or a generic data interface (GDI) protocol, as discussed
in the above incorporated Patent to Wheeler and Farris.
As described in further detail in the Pester Patent, the monitors
are controllable from remote stations to set traps which may be
customized. Thus the monitors are programmed to trap packets and/or
selectable fields and/or field contents on a real time basis to
permit extremely rapid response to detected data. The monitors may
comprise monitor circuit cards physically mounted at a monitor site
controller 450 that holds all monitor cards for that cluster. The
monitor site controller includes a processor and memory or storage
that keeps track of all monitors and handles any messages.
The site controller 450 and its monitors M may be regarded as an
interface with the SS7 network. The equipment may be conveniently
mounted at or adjacent to the STP with which the monitors are
associated. A function of the site monitor controller 450 is
recording all of the data forwarded by the monitors M. The monitors
may physically constitute a back plane capable of handling multiple
cards. The monitor cards themselves include multiple monitors, such
as four monitors per card. The monitors may be programmed by
monitor control signals delivered to the monitors M either via the
SS7 network or via the data link between each monitor M and its
associated site monitor controller 450. In the first instance
control signals may be delivered to specifically addressed monitors
over the SS7 data links. In the latter instance the control signals
are delivered over the separate data links 462 from the site
monitor controller 450 to the monitors M.
The processor in the master controller and server 456 and/or the
site controllers 450, may be loaded with the desired program or
script via the operator terminals 458 and/or 454. This script will
specify for identified monitors the particular signals or portions
of signals to be trapped and the identification and nature of the
output signal to be delivered to the site monitor controller 450.
The site controller receives this designated information from all
specified monitors in its cluster and provides an output signal to
the server controller 456. Filtering may occur at the monitors M as
they trap and buffer the designated data. Alternatively, the
monitors M may be programmed to deliver all detected signals to the
site monitor 450. The desired filtering may then be performed by
that processor and storage.
As in the embodiment of the invention described in connection with
FIG. 3, the intelligent peripheral or IP 358 may be of the type
described in the commonly assigned Wheeler and Farris Patent. Here
the IP connects through telephone line groups to one or more
Service Switching Point (SSP) offices of the telephone network. The
IP also communicates with the SCP. This communication is via a
signaling network separate from the voice circuits and from the
CCIS network, such as the OSN intranet 362. Among other functions,
the IP 358 participates in provisioning and/or modifying various
Telco provided services such as call forwarding, and in setting up
and tearing down content surveillance.
The intelligent peripheral or IP 358 connects to at least one of
the central offices 314, 316, and 318. This connection is shown as
central office 318 in FIG. 4. The connections transport both
communication traffic and signaling. While the connection between
the central office 318 and the JP 358 might use a combination of a
T1 and a Simplified Message Desk Interface (SMDI) link, this
connection preferably utilizes a primary rate interface (PRI) type
ISDN link. Each such connection provides digital transport for a
number of two-way voice grade type telephone communications and
two-way signaling data messages between the switch 318 and the IP
358.
There are certain circumstances in which the ISCP 342 communicates
with the IP 358. These communications also could utilize an 1129
protocol and go through an SSP type central office 318 and the SS7
network. However, in the preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the
IP 358 and the SCP 342 communicate with each other via the separate
second signaling network, for example via the links 466 and 468 and
the Operations Systems Network (OSN) 362 or intranet. These
communications through the OSN between the IP and the SCP may
utilize an 1129+ protocol or a generic data interface (GDI)
protocol as discussed in the above discussed and incorporated
Patent to Wheeler and Farris.
The intelligent peripheral or IP 358 is connected to the
surveillance facility 324 by the dedicated link 366. This link is
preferably a primary rate (PRI) ISDN line. The B or bearer channel
is used for the voice or content signals to the central office 318.
The D channel is used for signaling and instructions to the
intelligent peripheral. The connection between the IP and the
central office 318 is also preferably a dedicated PRI ISDN link
367. Similarly the trunks between the central offices 318, 314, and
316 include dedicated PRI ISDN links. The link 367 between the IP
and the central office 318 is preferably a private link which
offers continuous connectivity without call set up being
required.
This embodiment of the invention also relies on the telephone
network management system shown in FIG. 4 at 470. This system and
its internal networks are linked to the collective operating system
network or OSN via the link 472. This preferably uses 1129+
protocol or a generic data interface (GDI) protocol. Shown in the
management system in FIG. 4 are a business office module 474, SOACS
module 476, MARCH module 478, RCMAC module 480, RMAS module 482,
BOSS module 484, AMA module 486, and RAO module 488. SOACS is the
Service Order Analysis and Control or the controller portion of the
FACS family of systems (Facilities Assignment and Control System).
MARCH is the Memory Administration Recent Change System (formerly
MIZAR), which is a software product that accepts input from the
SOAC component of FACS, interprets the information, and formulates
the switch specific message that is ultimately sent to the switch
to activate the customers' service request. RCMAC is the Recent
Change Memory Administration Center, which is the work group
responsible for memory administration changes to the central office
switch. RMAS is the Remote Memory Administration System, which is
the support system for creating recent change messages and
interacting with the central office switch for line memory changes.
BOSS is the Billing Order Support System. This system is used by
Residence and Business Service Centers to assist service
representatives with billing inquiries and services. It interfaces
with CRIS (Customer Records Information System) and provides
current monthly bill, previous bill, payments, and audit trail of
account history. AMA is the Automated Message Accounting, which is
the automated call detail recording system. RAO is the Revenue
Accounting Office, which is unit that administers payment
management and billing systems support. The management system is
used pursuant to this embodiment of the invention to provide
information as to changes in the services to which the target
subscribes, any change in the customer profile record (CPR), and to
provide billing from information delivered by the controller server
456 and obtained from the operating service network.
The monitor network provides in the controller server database 460
all of the information which was obtained from the SS7 advanced
intelligent network in the embodiment shown in FIG. 3. This is
transmitted via the operating system network or OSN via the link
466 to the intelligent peripheral 358. The information may be
temporarily stored in the IP for combining with information
received from the management system 470. Alternately, the
information may be delivered directly to the storage and processors
of the surveillance center 324. Similarly, the management system
470 may deliver its service installation and service or profile
change information to the intelligent peripheral for temporary
storage or direct transmittal to the surveillance processor and
database.
The operation of this preferred embodiment of the invention is now
described. The central office 316 serving the target station 326
has set therein a terminating attempt trigger (TAT) for the
directory number of the target. It also has set therein an off-hook
delay (OHD) trigger on the line of the target station. According to
the invention the customer profile record for the target station
has been modified in the SCP and in the central office switch 316,
to require AIN processing of all calls to and from the target
station. This results in intra-office as well as inter-office calls
in central office 316 producing suspension of calls and a query to
the SCP via an STP.
Considering first data surveillance and a call originating with the
target station 326; the target station will either dial the
directory number (DN) of the called party, or will speed dial a
call. In the case of a speed call, the dialed characters are
interpreted as directory numbers, collected at the switch, and sent
to the SCP in the query message, along with the number of the
target station and other data. The other data may include the date,
the time of dialing, and the carrier which is to be used. This data
is trapped by the monitors in the SS7 links 442, 444, 446, and 448.
The data from the multiple links is correlated combined in the
manner described in the above discussed Pester and Brockman
patents, and sent by the site controller 450 to the controller
server 456. Here it is stored in the database 460.
The SCP reply to the query message preferably includes a send
notification parameter message which activates a switch feature in
the serving end office 316. The send notification parameter will
determine and record whether the remote or called party was busy,
whether the call was answered, and, if answered, the duration and
time of termination of the call. This information is trapped or
detected in the AIN messages to and from the originating and
terminating SSPs and/or the SCP. The data is trapped by the
monitors, combined, and sent to the controller server 456 where it
is stored. In actuality two sets of messages are stored, namely,
the attempt signaling and the completion signaling. This is then
transmitted via the OSN and IP to the surveillance authority at
324. The information may be collected by the controller server for
transmission as a complete entity, or may be transmitted in virtual
real time. Virtual real time transmission may be achieved because
the information is moving through the monitor network and
encounters minimal or no contention delays. This is advantageous in
content surveillance, where all content must be captured with
maximum transparency.
In the case of incoming calls, the terminating attempt TAT) trigger
in the target end office 316 is activated. The end office suspends
the call, sends a query to the SCP, and collects designated
information. This information would include the incoming call
telephone number (DN), the date, and the time. A send notification
parameter is also set to determine whether the target answered the
telephone and, if so, the duration and time of termination of the
call. If the line was busy or not answered this also would be
signaled in the AIN signaling on the SS7 links. This information is
trapped or detected in the AIN messages to and from the originating
and terminating SSPs and/or the SCP. The data is correlated and
combined as previously described, and again the information may be
collected by the controller server for transmission as a complete
entity or may be transmitted in virtual real time.
If the target 326 is using a call forwarding service, the pertinent
data can be detected from the AIN signaling messages picked up by
the monitors on the AIN links. This would include the number to
which the call was forwarded, if forwarding was activated, and the
details regarding completion and termination of the call, such as
the dialed telephone or directory number, the calling telephone
number, the number to which a call forwarding attempt was made,
whether the call was completed to that number, the addresses of all
directory numbers, and the duration and time of completion of the
call.
This information is trapped or detected in the AIN messages,
consolidated, and transmitted to and stored in the controller
server 456. From here the information may be transmitted as a
complete entity or may be transmitted in virtual real time to the
surveillance processor via the OSN and IP.
The system shown in FIG. 4 permits recording whether and when call
forwarding is installed, the identity of the forwarding number, and
when the installed service is activated and de-activated. This
information may be obtained from the management system 470 in the
manner previously described and partially from the SS7 and monitor
networks. Changes in the CPR of the target in the switch memory may
be transmitted to the surveillance terminal as previously
described.
With respect to surveillance of call content, the embodiment of
FIG. 4 is provided with an architecture similar to that in FIG. 3.
Thus, the intelligent peripheral or IP 358 is connected to the
surveillance facility by the dedicated link 366. This link is
preferably a primary rate (PRI) ISDN line. The connection between
the IP and the central office 318 is also preferably a dedicated
PRI ISDN link. Similarly the links between the central offices 318,
314, and 316 include dedicated PRI ISDN links.
The point-in-call triggering for content surveillance is the same
as described above for data surveillance. However in a content
surveillance situation, the customer profile record (CPR) of the
target is modified in the SCP, and in the switch, and the
intelligent peripheral. The SCP response to the trigger query on
both outgoing and incoming calls will include instructions to
connect the call, while carrying out other response instructions.
These instructions would include a send to resource remote, i.e.,
the intelligent peripheral. At substantially the same time that
this SS7 signaling occurs, a second intranet signal is sent to the
intelligent peripheral to set up a conference bridge with the
completed call. That is, the response of the SCP to the trigger
query would direct the central office switch 316 to send the call
to the IP 358 over the dedicated link 367 for bridging onto the
call the dedicated surveillance link 366 to the surveillance
station 324. The intelligent peripheral, having received such
bridging instructions via independent signaling from the SCP, will
immediately set up the bridge. The AIN signaling is detected by the
monitors and forwarded to the surveillance terminal.
The incoming or outgoing call to the target through the target end
office 316 is connected in the switch 316. However, the call is
extended via central offices 314 and 318 and their intervening
dedicated PRI ISDN Elinks to the intelligent peripheral 358. At the
intelligent peripheral the surveillance-dedicated line 366 is
bridged onto the call.
Call content may then be recorded at the surveillance terminal.
As a further feature of this embodiment of the invention, the
controller server 456 may transmit to BOSS in the management system
470, sufficient data to permit near real time output of billing
records. These bills would go to the surveillance authority and the
data may be provided to the surveillance authority over the data
links between the management system 470 and surveillance terminal
324. In this case that data would go over the link 472 through the
OSN 362, the link 466 and via the IP 358 and ISDN link 366.
It will be seen that this embodiment of the invention provides an
alternate architecture and methodology for carrying out
surveillance to satisfy CALEA safe harbor requirements. A monitor
network is arranged to provide the performance and information
which has been previously described with respect to the preceding
embodiments of the invention. However the system may permit a
closer approach to virtual real time reporting with improved
transparency. The archival recording of records in the controller
server storage 460 provides both additional safety for the data,
along with a corrroborating evidentiary record to back up the
evidence which may be recorded in the surveillance terminal. The
system also provides virtual real time billing records. These
records may provide still further supporting data from an
evidentiary standpoint.
While the foregoing has described what are considered to be
preferred embodiments of the invention, it is understood that
various modifications may be made therein and that the invention
may be implemented in various forms and embodiments, and that it
may be applied in numerous applications, only some of which have
been described herein. It is intended by the following claims to
claim all such modifications and variations which fall within the
true scope of the invention.
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